The mechanics of the knee are staggering. One symptom can have several potential causes. It truly takes a lifetime of studying to accurately diagnose the nuances of the pain. That being said, I was once guided toward surgery (by a surgeon, of course) when what I actually had was a very bad case of tendinitis. I had never had it before, so I didn't know what it felt like. Ice and rest finally put my mind at ease.

You might just have tendinitis. It hurts like a ***** when it gets really flared up. But you have to understand that nobody is going to know except the orthopedist. Good luck!